Generosity and sincerity are the stimuli to actions of kindness. They can arrive in many ways and forms, be obvious or subtle, and have the power to change lives. CCIS volunteers do not need to look for inspiration to connect with international students, they are open to it. As so many of you tell CCIS - it is the unexpected joy when you realize how much you receive along with what you give. You help international students thrive at Stanford in a unique way that connects the community to the University and both to the world. When you hear words of thanks or read a note of thanks, you might be surprised at the depth of appreciation for your small acts of kindness - and that is something for which to be thankful.

"I was anxious about coming to a new country and living away from home for the first time. CCIS made the transition very easy. They matched me with a wonderful Homestay family who helped me set up my apartment, navigate Safeway, appreciate new foods, and took care of me like family! They listened to my fears and were so reassuring. Knowing that there is someone watching out for me here is also a big relief for my parents - - living thousands of miles away. CCIS helps me feel like I have truly found a home away from home." Surabhi Sankhla, India

"I am Marcella, one of the Homestay Program participants, and now Hospitality Program too. I was matched with Tim and Clair Johnson who has been really nice and showing a great kindness. I would like to express my gratitude to you and your team for preparing this awesome program that brings such an extraordinary and unique experience prior to my study at Stanford. I learned about American cultures, tried American authentic food, got to know about grocery stores, and much more. I love this program and encourage you to keep maintaining and developing this program as well." Marcella Suta, Indonesia

"Dear MaryAnn, Thank you so much for your English classes at Bechtel. I couldn't have enjoyed my stay in California so well for the past two years without those English classes. Thank you for your generous teaching; I loved your Idioms class. I learned idioms, also vocabulary, pronunciation, American customs and American culture. I've never studied English in an academic way before. I had a chance to start from square one in your class! Thank you! Merci Beaucoup!" Su-Ping, China.

"I was part of the 2017 Homestay program. It was a great start to my stay in the US. My host family took my friends and me to San Francisco and we had the most awesome time at the beach and Golden Gate Bridge. It really helps international students settle into everything. Thank you for your hard works that we, international students, get this wonderful kick-start to our study at Stanford." Aditi Palsapure, India

"If it weren't for CCIS, my first couple of years at Stanford would've been significantly more overwhelming both culturally and emotionally. My CCIS host helped me meet incredible people that were instrumental in enabling me to adapt to Stanford's academic and culture lifestyle. I will be forever grateful. I know we will always be friends." Gonzalo Valdez, Chile

Indian Summer, The Secret History of the End of an Empire – Alex von Tunzelmann

The Big Switch, Rewiring the World, From Edison to Google – Nicholas Carr

The First Tycoon-The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt – T.J. Stiles

Sapiens-A Brief History of Humankind – Yuval Noah Harari

The Gene-An Intimate History – Siddhartha Mukherjee

Hillbilly Elegy-A Memory of a Family and a Culture in Crisis – J.D. Vance

Killers of the Flower Moon, The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI–David Grann

The Design of Everyday Things – Don Norman

Time, Love, Memory-A Biologist and His Quest for the Origins of Behavior –Jonathan Weiner

*Thank you for contributing to this list. Please send the title and author of your recommended fiction or historical fiction book(s) of 2017 for the January 2018 CCIS Member Newsletter.
email:MemberServices@CCISstanfordU.org